How to Arrange Willow Branches

Select dried corkscrew, pussy or weeping willow branches that are sold by the bunch. These may range in length from 2 to 6 feet. If you are creating table-top floral arrangements, you may want smaller sizes. If you are building larger floor arrangements, then you will probably want larger sizes. Be sure to check each bundle for broken limbs or any signs of damage.

Remove the string that bundles the branches together and gently separate the branches. Pivot the branch to note its features. Often, it is necessary to trim the tips of branches and to remove small twigs that rub together or clump in a way you find unattractive.

Clean up each branch and sort the branches by height. Trim the bottoms of the branches flat so that they sit in the vase more evenly.

Select a large urn-style vase for floor-type arrangements. Usually these urns have plant stands to elevate them even more. Because dried arrangements are usually light, you may need to add pebbles to the bottom of the urn to increase its stability.

Insert brown floral foam into the urn. Brown floral foam is designed for dried or artificial arrangements. The foam should be positioned in a way that keeps the vase stable. For a tall vase, you may use foam at the bottom for the branch stems, and filled around the branches near the top of the vase to be used as a base for moss or other filling materials if that is the look you want.

Arrange your willow branches to look as natural as possible. Be sure to turn the arrangement as you adjust the branches so that the arrangement looks equally nice on all sides. If your arrangement will be more permanent, you may want to add hot glue around the base of the branch once you know its position. When you press the hot-glued end into the brown foam, it will hold its position more firmly.

Wedge chunks of brown foam around the branches about 1 to 2 inches from the top of the vase if you want to hide the vase interior with natural mosses. You can press the moss into the foam with hairpins and hot glue to keep them positioned.